ASUS Launches the EeeKeyboard PC

[btarunr]

ASUS today continues to deliver on its promise of cutting edge technological and design innovations with the launch of the EeeKeyboard PC—a fully-functional PC concealed within a svelte and stylish keyboard. First unveiled to a tremendous reception at CES 2009 and subsequently garnering 1st place at the CeBIT-PreView 2009 Awards, the portable 1kg EeeKeyboard PC works with any HDTV, monitor, or projector to turn itself into a full-fledged PC. It provides users with a wireless computing platform, with Ultra-wideband (UWB) Wireless Display connectivity enabling it to stream HD 720p videos up to a 5-meter range (maximum 10-meter range for non-video transfers). Its built-in 5" multi-touch panel provides users with an interactive and intuitive means of directing the on-screen cursor to launch programs, send instant messages, and control its media player.

The lightweight, space-saving EeeKeyboard PC lends itself perfectly to a myriad of uses at home and in the office. The high-speed wireless multimedia and communication capabilities of the EeeKeyboard PC can be enjoyed with any HDTV, monitor or projector*. Connect the EeeKeyboard PC to a HDTV in the living room to turn it into the family multimedia entertainment center; hook it up with a monitor in the study or office and use it as a normal PC; or pair it with a projector in a conference room for presentations.



The EeeKeyboard PC comes with a durable and shock-proof solid state drive to ensure all stored data is kept safe during transit, while built-in conveniences such as the microphone and high quality stereo speakers allow users to enjoy all of the EeeKeyboard PC's features without requiring additional accessories.

Ultra-wideband (UWB) Wireless Display Connectivity
The EeeKeyboard PC features Ultra-wideband (UWB) Wireless Display connectivity and is able to stream HD 720p visuals to a designated display device within a 5 meter range. UWB Wireless Display connectivity also brings with it higher data transfer rates, and ensures a reliable link during data transfers.

5" Multi-touch Panel for an Intuitive and Interactive User Experience
The EeeKeyboard PC has another ingenious feature—an interactive 5" multi-touch panel designed to enhance the user experience by adapting its functions to suit the task at hand. At its most basic level, it serves as a touchpad for controlling the main display cursor. It can be set to display quick launch keys and shortcuts to enable users to easily access programs and web content. It can also display the media player's interface, allowing users to browse, select, and play songs with a tap of a finger.

ASUS has taken user feedback into account and ensured that the EeeKeyboard PC's LED-backlit keys are precisely calibrated to ensure consistency in mechanical responsiveness, latency, and actuation pressure. The EeeKeyboard PC is engineered for both quality and durability, with its aluminum cover and UV-coated underside ensuring it looks brand new even after years of use.

[Mussels]

i think i've asked about this kind of thing a million times, why not make a laptop without the screen and sell it for less?


unfortunately the wireless display device sounds like it'll raise the price right up on this, and limit it severely (5 meters, 720 - and your leyboard will need to have all sorts of USB shit connected to it, or wires)

[b82rez]

Originally Posted by Mussels

i think i've asked about this kind of thing a million times, why not make a laptop without the screen and sell it for less?

I could be wrong...but wouldn't you class those EeeBox's as a laptop without a screen for a smaller price?

[Phxprovost]

...i do not understand

[Fourstaff]

Originally Posted by Mussels

why not make a laptop without the screen and sell it for less?

I am looking for the direct opposite: Why not make a laptop without a screen ala iPad but with something more powerful in it?

[Mussels]

Originally Posted by b82rez

I could be wrong...but wouldn't you class those EeeBox's as a laptop without a screen for a smaller price?

no keyboard!

[NdMk2o1o]

I have seen the Utra-wideband (UWB) Wireless Display being sold for around £75($120?) and to be honest the reviews of them are not that good they are just about good enough for normal operation but fail miserably when streaming any HD content.

Also I think it might even struggle to play 720p comfortably even if it could stream it, nice idea.... kind of, but fail imo

[qubit]

I think this product is strong on novelty value, but is ultimately pointless. It's design harks back to the days of 80s wedge-shaped computers such as the Acorn A3000, Amiga and Atari ST.

It looks very cool, but surely a well-specced laptop is much more useful?

Expect it to be discontinued within a year of release and the last few being disposed of in bargain bins.

[aj28]

It's cool and all, but they need to make a version without this wireless display nonsense to help lower the cost. 720p? What's the point? This is essentially a competing solution to hooking a nettop to your TV and using a wireless keyboard, except it's way more expensive, way more inconvenient, and offers lower quality video and overall performance.

A version without the touch panel would be nice too. It looks like it accomplishes essentially what any modern cell phone would.

Oh... And XP? Really? That is all.

[tigger]

There is a video of it in action here-

http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/a...slight-return/

Heres a pic of it spilling its guts too.

Unfortunately, easy access does not mean easy upgrades as the RAM is soldered to the motherboard.
From-
http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/08/v...rets-revealed/

According to this link ^^ it does 1080p video

[Assimilator]

Why didn't they call it the kEEEyboard?

[btarunr]

Because you'll get a keyboard if you ask a retailer for that.

[roast]

I totally want one. I heard about these at least a year ago, and I've been waiting with baited breath for one! Downer about the RAM being soldered to the mainboard, but still pretty awesome nonetheless!

[qubit]

Originally Posted by roast

I totally want one. I heard about these at least a year ago, and I've been waiting with baited breath for one! Downer about the RAM being soldered to the mainboard, but still pretty awesome nonetheless!

What's so special about it, other than novelty factor? (And it does have lots of that. )